Was on the Costa Med for the 28 Dec 03-4 Jan 04 New Years cruise. We did the Western Caribbean and went to Key West, Progreso, Cozumel, and Grand Cayman.
I had an early flight, arrived at Ft Lauderdale airport, met my friend, and got my luggage by 11:15 AM. Took a taxi to the pier. We were in the first group. Had to wait for security to open, did security and then waited for Costa to open the ship for people at 1:30 PM. We were on the ship and eating in the buffet, all before 2 PM. Eight ships in port that day.
We were told two flights were delayed in Europe and Costa held the ship for what they claimed to be 300 passengers in the evening. We did not leave on time and my friend and I stayed up and saw some taxis arrive and only one bus of 40-50 people get on the ship during the time we were watching. We departed port approx 2 AM.